bookedandfrizzy's reviews
240 reviews

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I enjoyed this read but it was not my favorite. While I loved the plus size rep and it contains one of my favorite tropes, fake dating, I found most of the characters to be insufferable. There’s a lot of pining and delusion lol I loved the library aspect. Libraries don’t get the shine they deserve so loved that the main character is a librarian and that we can see some of the programs offered. I thought that was really cool. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

4.5

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Rounding up to 3 ⭐️. I really enjoyed parts of the book. Surprisingly, I liked the new characters that were introduced and the world building kept me intrigued. 

But…this did not feel like a conclusion to the series. It def could have been a standalone/start to a new series or book 3 of 4. Felt rushed. I usually love multiple POVs in fantasy but they did too much with this one. I didn’t hate it but it’s for sure the weakest of the 3. 😕

More Than This by Krystal Marquis

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

4.0

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Malone Scott

challenging medium-paced

3.75

Love In the Red Zone by Love Belvin

2.75

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

5.0

✨🧡Before I Let Go✨🧡

The 5 star reviews are always the hardest to write. That’s because the best books make you confront some real sh*t. My friends have been trying to convince me to go to therapy for years. Kennedy Ryan did it in three days.

This book took me through the motions. I loved everything about it. 

It was relatable because I tend to have the same feelings about therapy as Josiah. 🥴. It was amazing to see this family put in the work at all levels. I am truly inspired. 

To top it all off, I was able to meet the wonderful @kennedyryan (again) and she’s amazing in person. The bookstore ran out of copies and @angieoverbooked gifted me one! 🥹

A few more musings:

🫶🏾Kaseem deserves everything great in the world 🥹

🫶🏾Deja was so realistic. I have 6 nieces and the depiction of a teenaged girl is 💯 

🫶🏾The story felt true to Atlanta 

🫶🏾The Southern culture was on full display and I loved it! 

🫶🏾I love the community the characters found in their friends/family ❤️

🫶🏾 The angst and spice were perfect! 🥵

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0